Get To Know the Competitors in Mascot Madness 2018

The annual competition to decide who New York’s favorite mascot is back. This year, the tournament is back for its 6th edition and ready to keep on expanding to newer, bigger heights. 36 unique mascots are getting ready for Round 1, which kicks off on Tuesday, March 13. The schedule for the entire tournament is as follows, by round:

Round 1: Tuesday, March 13 12:00 p.m. – Friday, March 16 4:00 p.m.
Round 2: Monday, March 19 12:00 p.m. – Wednesday, March 21 4:00 p.m.
Round 3: Thursday, March 22 12:00 p.m. – Monday, March 26 4:00 p.m.
Final Four: Wednesday, March 28 12:00 p.m. – Friday, March 30 4:00 p.m.
Finals: Monday, April 2 12:00 p.m. – Wednesday, April 4 1:00 p.m.

But to cast the right vote, you need to know these competitors and what makes them stand out. To help, we were able to gather these profiles to better introduce you to the great SUNY Mascots. Read on, in alphabetical order by school, to help make your choice in Region 4:

Orvis – Alfred State

What is your name and what school do you represent?
My name is Orvis and I represent Alfred State.
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
Conference Championship victories for women’s basketball, women’s soccer, and women’s cross country. A close second would be our annual Special Olympics Track and Field Spectacular.
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I would major in Culinary Arts – I know that college students love to eat so I would be able to cook some amazing dishes for our pregame tailgates and our bonfires. I also know that the best way to a student’s heart is through their stomach.
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
History of the Pioneer – not many people seem to know the details of the era of when people like myself were living off the land and exploring new areas.
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Wheaties – the Breakfast of Champions! Great way to get my energy up for a full day of activities and keeps me energized to get the crowd pumped up at games later on in the day.
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
Our school cafeteria has the best selection of candies to put on my desserts but nothing beats marshmallows that were melted over my campfire.
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
I love hiking the trails of the great State Parks in our area. The frozen geyser at Letchworth State Park is one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
I would bring my buddy Privateer Pete from SUNY Maritime to help me build a boat to get off the island; My IPad with multiple battery chargers so I can keep up-to-date on all the activities of Pioneer athletics at www.alfredstateathletics.com; The largest bag possible of tacos from our Taco Bell location on campus. Can’t miss a Taco Tuesday!
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
I think I would be a great park ranger in one of the New York State Parks. I also would like to build and sell my wood furniture!
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
I can text without making an error even though I only have four fingers on each hand. I am actually equally talented with both of my hands.

Stinger the Hornet – SUNY Broome

What is your name and what school do you represent?
Hi there! I am Stinger the Hornet, proud insect overlord — uh, mascot — of SUNY Broome Community College in Binghamton, New York, also known as the best, most artsy city upstate. Well, to the hive, anyway.
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
That’s always so tough to pick, but I have to go with our Lady Hornets tennis team, who once again captured the Region III championship title and played some great games at Nationals in Georgia. My runner-up is all the fun faculty-versus-student games we have going on: Basketball, softball, and volleyball just in the past year! Who can resist a chance to best their professor on the court?
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
Bzzzzzzness. I can’t help it. It’s just the sound I make. Although I must say Engineering Science would be a close second — so I can turn my Hornet hive into a super-sustainable paper-mache mansion! Hold that carbon footprint, please.
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I’d like to take flight and teach one of our adventure courses — that take you out of the classroom and into the wild! Teaching our BIO 200 course — Ecology of the Everglades — would be the ultimate dream. In this course, we get to go on an extensive wilderness camping experience in the Everglades National Park for some hands-on learning. And it’s warm so Hornets can live outside year-round.
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Honey Nut Cheerios. I like to sit, eat my cereal, and stare at the box think about how at least one insect is represented on breakfast cereals. Why it is always chubby bees, I couldn’t say. Wasps are leaner and meaner and just plain cooler.
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
I have a big sweet tooth and soda plus ice cream is the best dessert! Our Hospitality Program students have this super-sweet sugary soda recipe they call Hornet Juice. Plunk some vanilla ice cream down in a mug of Hornet Juice, and you’re good to go all the way through finals!
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
I live in the “Carousel Capital of the World” (yes that’s a thing)! In the summertime, you can find me eating ice cream while enjoying a ride one of the many carousels in Binghamton. Wintertime means hot chocolate and hockey for me. If anyone is looking for an emergency goalie, I’m ready!
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
Rubix cube. Would I probably throw this in the ocean after a few days of not solving it? Most definitely, but it would serve as a good distraction for a few days at least; Deck of cards. Solitaire is your friend when you’re stuck on an island all alone; Ukulele. Are you even on an island if you’re not strumming this tropical mini guitar?
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
Musician: it’s no coincidence that Stinger rhymes with singer. Beyoncé may be the Queen B, but this hornet knows how to get a crowd buzzin’.
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
I didn’t start life as an insect. I was … a cat. A Technicat, whatever that is. To be frank, I was lame and didn’t make any sense, and the students reinvented me way back in 1949. Do you ever see pictures from an old part of your life and you’re like, “No, that’s not me anymore” and then burn them? Yeah, it’s kind of like that, thinking back to the Technicat.

Benji – Buffalo State

What is your name and what school do you represent?
Benji – The Buffalo State College
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
Our men’s soccer team hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division III tournament. It was my Bengals first appearance in the “Big Dance” since 1984. I was so proud of how far the team has come under SUNYAC Coach of the Year Mark Howlett.
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
At Buffalo State I have 79 programs to choose from, but if I had it to do all over again, I would probably choose fashion and textile technology. I have always wanted to design clothes. I especially love wearing animal prints!
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I would love to teach a class in public speaking. As a mascot, I am never allowed to speak, but I have so much to say!
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Frosted Flakes. As my cousin says, “They’re Grrrrrrreat!”
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
Raw meat!
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
This might get me in trouble with the Niagara Falls PD, but I love to go over the falls in a barrel. It is such a rush!
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
A Wilson volleyball, sunscreen, and my Rubix cube.
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
A backup dancer for Justin Timberlake.
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
I am fluent in five languages – English, Spanish, French, Mandarin and Love

Roody Roo – SUNY Canton

What is your name and what school do you represent?
Roody Roo from SUNY Canton.
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
My favorite athletic moment was being accepted into the North Atlantic Conference. That means I have a new group of conference friends – and mascots – to hang out with.
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I would major in Veterinary Science Technology so I could be close to all of the party animals.
4. If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I feel as though I’d fit in well teaching Contemporary Australian Animal Behavior.
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Weet-Bix or Honey Weets
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
Vegamite
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
I really like to bounce around all over upstate New York and see the sites. I also canoe on the Grasse River.
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
A good book, a Roo-bix cube, and a boomerang.
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
I’d be the star of my own Disney movie about a kangaroo living in Canton.
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
I hold both the long and high jump records at SUNY Canton.

Stitch – FIT

What is your name and what school do you represent?
I’m Stitch from the Fashion Institute of Technology!
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
When FIT women’s swimming and diving won the 2018 Northeast District championship for the first time in school history! We pounced—I mean, trounced the competition, winning six races and breaking seven school records.
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I love promoting FIT, so Advertising and Marketing Communications is tempting. Then again, some of my best friends are plush toys, so Toy Design would be perfect. It’s too hard to decide!
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
Definitely a Textile/Surface Design course. I love sinking my claws into beautiful carpets and upholstery.
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Frosted Flakes … they’re grrrreat!
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
Orange and blue M&M’s.
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
Catnaps at one of New York’s purrfect cat cafés, and playing with the yarn in FIT’s Knitting Lab.
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
A giant ball of yarn from the knitwear lab, the September issue of Vogue, and my reusable coffee cup. #sustainable
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
Cardi B’s designer.
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
FIT alum Michael Kors and I are BFFs!

Privateer Pete – SUNY Maritime

What is your name and what school do you represent?
Ahoy! My name is Privateer Pete and I represent SUNY Maritime College.
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
My favorite athletics moment from the past year has been celebrating our conference championship titles with our baseball and cross country teams!
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I already have my degree in Marine Transportation from SUNY Maritime and have the opportunities to sail the world.
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why
Knot-Tying 101. However, it’s a little tricky with just four fingers.
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Cap’n Crunch! We go way back!
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
Swedish Fish
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
I like visiting the penguins and fish at the Bronx Zoo, just a short drive from SUNY Maritime.
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
The board game ‘Battleship’, a fishing pole, and a sextant to map my way home.
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
I would be Captain of the Empire State VI, sailing the world on SUNY Maritime’s Summer Sea Term.
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
Loose lips sink ships. I’ll keep that one to myself.

Hugo the Hawk – SUNY New Paltz

What is your name and what school do you represent?
Hugo the Hawk, SUNY New Paltz
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
My favorite athletic moment this past year was when our very own Nick Paquette sent an open letter to NBA prospect Andrew Jones and was highlighted on ESPN.
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
My favorite subject at SUNY New Paltz is Ornithology!
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
I’ve made appearances in many classes, but if I could teach a class it would be our NEW business analytics class!
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
My favorite breakfast cereal is Life.
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
I like to cover my ice cream sundae with everything, like Buddy from Elf.
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
In my free time, I explore NYC and the Hudson Valley! #ILoveNY
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
If I were on a desert island, I would bring a solar USB charger, my Nintendo Switch, and cool ranch Doritos.
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
If I wasn’t a mascot for New Paltz, I’d write travel books!
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
People are surprised when I tell them I’m on Twitter! @HugotheHawk

Walter the Wildcat – SUNY Poly

What is your name and what school do you represent?
Walter the Wildcat and I kick my big blue paws up at SUNY Poly.
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
At Wildcat Weekend they put people in these giant bubbles. I love tossing those clueless humans around in their bubbles. Silly humans.
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
Gee, that’s tough. There’s a lot of cool majors. Ummm. Maybe mechanical engineering so I can learn to build a better mousetrap…cuz I’m a cat.
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
Birdwatching. Need I say more?
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Shredded Tweet. Ya see what I did there?
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
Mice. Yeah, can ya tell my roommates don’t really like to eat with me…
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
Hike some nature trails, watch the wildlife, chase the wildlife, eat the wildlife. You know, just typical college student stuff.
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
Some good company; A volleyball so I can name it Wilson and do my best Tom Hanks/Castaway bit; Maybe a boat in case we change our minds.
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
Scooby-Doo villain. Just try and pull off the head, Fred. Go ahead.
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
I’m surprisingly adept at ballet. Being a hunter of the wild makes you incredibly light on your feet.

Fineas aka “Finn” – Suffolk County Community College

What is your name and what school do you represent?
I am Fineas aka “Finn” from Suffolk County Community College!
What was your favorite athletics moment at school from the past year?
Winning the volleyball tournament!
If you could major in any one subject at SUNY, what would it be and why?
Marine Biology – if I didn’t get an “A” in that class, I would have to turn in my fin.
If you could teach one class at SUNY, what would it be and why?
Oceanography – stick to what you know!
What is your favorite breakfast cereal to eat in the morning?
Cap’n Crunch
What is your favorite topping to put on ice cream or frozen yogurt sundae?
Gummy bears!
In your free time, what is your favorite NY activity to do?
Go to Montauk.
What 3 items would you take to a desert island to help pass the time?
A surfboard, a spitfire grill, and my very own Wilson volleyball.
If you weren’t a mascot for your school, what job would you have?
A lawyer – I make a suit look GOOD!
Tell us one secret people would be surprised to know about you.
I love horror movies!

Keywords:

Mascot Madness